expediency

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​en·​cy ik-ˈspē-dē-ən(t)-sē 

plural expediencies

1

: the quality or state of being suited to the end in view : suitability, fitness

2

obsolete

a

: haste, dispatch

b

: an enterprise requiring haste or caution

3

: adherence to expedient means and methods

put more emphasis on expediency than on principle

—W. H. Jones

4

: a means of achieving a particular end : expedient

expediential

ik-ˌspē-dē-ˈen-chəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• advisability
• advisableness
• desirability
• desirableness
• expedience
• judiciousness
• prudence
• wisdom

Examples of expediency in a Sentence

the expediency of such a plan is questionable

Recent Examples on the Web

Politics at odds with international obligations The evidence of the last few months is that political expediency sometimes trumps international obligations. —Tim Lister, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024

There are ripple effects across all the story’s players, touching on many aspects of our justice system, from substandard investigations that seed confirmation bias, to trials driven by political expediency and our need for good stories over the truth. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024

The group is also the choice of expediency, since Russia offers troops, weapons, and training with no strings attached. —Colin P. Clarke, Foreign Affairs, 11 May 2023

Built for expediency Texas Children's emergency department is next door to its urgent care. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expediency

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​en·​cy ik-ˈspēd-ē-ən-sē 

plural expediencies

: the use of expedient means and methods